HJR 115 - DEAD IN THE WATER

Make sure to contact Governor Kehoe's office and let him know how disappointed we are with the State of MO for NOT SUPPORTING OUR VETERANS!!!

Governor OfficeVeteran Committee

IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NO on SB974

Veterans are NOT in support of this bill. Click below to find out why......

Find out WHY!!

Missouri Association of Veteran Organizations

MAVO - Here to Help Veterans

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Welcome to MAVO

Stronger Legislation. Stronger Veterans. Stronger Missouri.

Missouri Veterans Deserve Better: HJR 115 Should Have Been Heard

Missouri’s veterans have always fulfilled their duty to this state and this nation. We served when called, we sacrificed without hesitation, and we continue to strengthen our communities long after our military service ends. That is why the failure of the Missouri House to bring HJR 115 to the floor is deeply disappointing to veterans across the state.

Regardless of quorum issues or procedural maneuvering, this resolution should have been scheduled for debate and a vote long before the final days of session. Veterans should never be placed at the bottom of the legislative priority list. HJR 115 was designed to protect those who served, and its silence in the chamber speaks volumes.

Why Veterans Are Frustrated

  • HJR 115 directly impacts Missouri veterans and their families
  • The General Assembly had ample time to advance it earlier in session.
  • Procedural delays should never override the moral obligation to support those who wore the uniform.
  • Veterans expect transparency, accountability, and timely action—not excuses.

A Call to Action

Missouri veterans are calling on our fellow citizens to stand with us and demand action for those who have sacrificed the most. Right now, some of our state’s most disabled veterans are being left behind, and the Legislature has the power to fix it—but only if they choose to act.

We are urging Missourians to contact the House Veterans Committee and the Governor’s Office and call for a special session dedicated to addressing the urgent needs of Missouri’s most severely disabled veterans. These men and women earned their benefits through service and sacrifice. They should not have to wait for political convenience or legislative timing to receive the support they deserve.

Many of us are deeply disappointed that for over 8 years this issue has not been prioritized. Veterans should not be forced to rely solely on political negotiations or internal legislative decisions. The people of Missouri deserve a voice in this conversation, and your voice can make the difference.

If you believe Missouri should honor its commitments to those who served, now is the time to speak up. Contact your elected officials. Tell them that our disabled veterans cannot wait. Tell them that Missouri can—and must—do better.

Your voice matters. Let them know:

  • Veterans deserve to be heard.
  • Veteran‑focused legislation must be prioritized, not sidelined.
  • Missouri must do better in honoring its commitments to those who defended it.

Moving Forward

MAVO and Missouri’s veteran community will continue to advocate for legislation that protects veterans, strengthens benefits, and ensures accountability. We will not remain silent when our needs are ignored or delayed.

Missouri’s veterans have upheld their duty.

It is time for the State of Missouri to uphold theirs.

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Missouri’s veterans deserve a unified voice—one strong enough to protect their benefits, advance meaningful legislation, and ensure every veteran in our state receives the care and respect they have earned. MAVO brings together veteran service organizations from across Missouri to advocate with purpose, speak with clarity, and act with unwavering commitment.

For decades, MAVO has served as the collective force behind veteran‑focused policy in the State Capitol. Our mission is simple:
 
Strengthen Missouri’s veterans by strengthening the laws, systems, and support structures that serve them.

On this site, you’ll find updates on legislative initiatives, resources for veterans and their families, and tools for organizations working to make a difference. Whether you are a veteran, a service officer, a community partner, or a lawmaker seeking insight—MAVO is here to inform, empower, and lead.

Together, we stand for those who stood for us.
 

"You get what you FIGHT for ...
Not what you HOPE for ...”

Announcements


MEDIA STATEMENT - SB 974

Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO)


Federal Court Opinion Confirms Long‑Standing MAVO Position on Unaccredited Claims Consultants


The Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO) is highlighting a recent federal court opinion that directly supports what MAVO has stated from the beginning: it is illegal and a violation of federal statute for unaccredited individuals or companies to charge veterans for assistance, advice, or consulting related to VA benefits claims.


In Military‑Veterans Advocacy v. Jeff Landry, Case No. 24‑00446‑BAJ‑RLB, a federal judge in Louisiana issued the first opinion to explicitly affirm that federal law prohibits these unaccredited "claims consultants” from charging veterans—regardless of whether they describe their services as "advice,” "consulting,” or "coaching.”


Although the ruling is not binding in Missouri, it is persuasive federal case law and provides powerful clarity in an area where predatory actors have attempted to confuse lawmakers and the public. For years, these companies—often called "claims sharks”—have argued that they fall outside federal law because they are "not accredited” and "only advise.” The court rejected that argument outright.


"MAVO has said from Day One that these practices violate federal law,” the organization stated. "This opinion vindicates our position and gives Missouri lawmakers clear legal guidance. If anyone doubts it, they can now look directly at what a federal judge said.”


MAVO is distributing the court’s opinion to Missouri legislators and the Missouri Attorney General to support ongoing efforts to protect veterans from unlawful fees, misleading claims services, and predatory practices.


LEGISLATOR QUICK CARD - SB 974


Protecting Missouri Veterans from Unaccredited "Claims Sharks”


The Issue

  • Unaccredited, for‑profit "claims consultants” are charging veterans for VA benefits help.
  • These services are illegal under federal law, regardless of whether they call it "advice,” "consulting,” or "coaching.”
  • Veterans are paying thousands for services accredited VSOs provide for free.
 

Federal Court Confirmation

  • Military‑Veterans Advocacy v. Landry (Case No. 24‑00446‑BAJ‑RLB).
  • First federal opinion to explicitly affirm that unaccredited individuals cannot charge for VA benefits assistance.
  • Confirms MAVO’s long‑standing position: "It violates federal statute.”
  • Not binding in Missouri, but persuasive case law that clarifies the law for policymakers.
 

Why Missouri Must Act

  • Claims sharks continue operating in Missouri, misleading veterans and lawmakers.
  • Veterans are being financially exploited and receiving incorrect or harmful advice.
  • State‑level protections can reinforce federal law and stop predatory practices.
 

What MAVO Is Asking

  • Acknowledge the federal prohibition on unaccredited claims assistance for compensation.
  • Strengthen Missouri statutes to prevent predatory actors from targeting veterans.
  • Support accredited VSOs—trained, certified, and authorized to assist at no cost.
  • Use the federal opinion as guidance: "If you don’t believe us, look at what a federal judge said.”
 

Bottom Line

Missouri veterans deserve protection from illegal fees and deceptive claims services.
The federal ruling gives lawmakers the clarity needed to act decisively.

 

📣 Announcement: Launch of the New MAVO Website

The Missouri Association of Veterans Organizations (MAVO) is proud to announce the launch of our new official website — a modern, accessible, and mission‑focused platform designed to strengthen our advocacy for Missouri’s veterans.

This new site brings together MAVO’s statewide coalition, legislative priorities, and veteran‑focused initiatives in one clear, easy‑to‑navigate home. Visitors can now explore:


Current state and federal legislative

priorities.


Testimony, position papers,

and policy updates.


Resources for veterans, families,

and service officers.


Upcoming events, hearings,

and calls to action.


MAVO’s history, mission,

and member organizations.

 

Current state and federal legislative priorities

The website reflects MAVO’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and strong advocacy. It ensures that lawmakers, partners, and Missouri veterans have direct access to the information they need to support meaningful change.

This launch marks an important step forward in our mission to protect and advance the rights, benefits, and well‑being of every veteran in Missouri.

Dates to Remember:



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OUR MISSION

Missouri Association of Veteran Organizations (MAVO)

The Missouri Association of Veteran Organizations (MAVO) is committed to advancing the interests and well‑being of Missouri’s veterans and their families through unified advocacy, strategic collaboration, and responsible civic engagement. We work to shape and support legislation that strengthens access to benefits, enhances quality of life, and upholds the dignity of those who have served. By bringing together veteran service organizations across the state, MAVO provides a coordinated voice in public policy discussions, ensuring that the needs and sacrifices of Missouri’s veterans are recognized, respected, and addressed through effective and equitable laws.
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